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  HUMBLE YOURSELVES THEREFORE
  by A.B. Simpson
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Summary: Trials and hard places are necessary for us to value life,
understand others' struggles, and become mature Christians who can help
and sympathize with others.

Topics: "Trials and Growth", "Compassion through Suffering"
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 4:12, James 1:2

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DESCRIPTION
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A.B. Simpson emphasizes the value of life that emerges from enduring
trials and hardships, suggesting that these experiences not only deepen
our appreciation for life but also equip us to empathize with others in
their struggles. He contrasts superficial understanding of suffering
with the profound tenderness that comes from personal experience,
highlighting that true strength and compassion arise from overcoming
adversity. Simpson illustrates this concept with the analogy of a
steamship, where the furnace's heat propels the vessel forward, much
like trials propel us toward growth and purpose.

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CONTENT
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The pressure of hard places makes us value life. Every time we come
through such a trial, it is like a new beginning, and we learn better
how much life is worth and make more of it for God and man. The pressure
helps us to understand the trials of others and fits us to help and
sympathize with them. There is a shallow, superficial nature that gets
hold of a theory or a promise and talks very glibly about the distrust
of those who shrink from every trial. But the man or woman who has
suffered much never does this. Knowing what suffering really means, he
or she is very tender and gentle.

This is what Paul meant when he said, Death worketh in us, but life in
you (2 Corinthians 4:12).

Trials and hard places are needed to press us forward, even as the
furnace fires in the hold of the mighty steamship give the force that
moves the Piston, drives the engine and propels that great vessel in the
face of winds and waves.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/humble-yourselves-therefore/
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